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New AP award to recognize top NFL assistant coach

NEW AWARD: A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league vote on the awards, and the winners will be announced the night before the Super Bowl. Photo: Associated Press

BARRY WILNER, AP Pro Football Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The Associated Press will recognize the NFL’s top assistant coach with a new award beginning this season.

The Assistant Coach of the Year award will be the AP’s eighth NFL honor, joining MVP, Coach of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, and Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year.

A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league vote on the awards, and the winners will be announced the night before the Super Bowl.

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, who spent a decade as an assistant coach in Baltimore before getting his current job, called the award “a great idea, and overdue.”

All assistant coaches will be eligible, including coordinators and position coaches.